The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Africa has launched a new emergency contact line aimed at providing swift assistance to Nigerians facing distress across African countries.
The initiative was announced by the Continental Chairman of NIDO Africa, Prof. Jude Osakwe, during a telephone conversation with Daily Independent on Monday, October 20, 2025.
Prof. Osakwe, a Namibia-based Professor of ICT, said the hotline, reachable on +264858166717, is available for WhatsApp use only and will serve as a crucial lifeline for Nigerians in emergency situations.
According to him, “this initiative underscores the organization’s enhanced commitment to citizen support and welfare”.
“The emergency contact line is designed to ensure that Nigerians in distress can reach out for help and guidance when needed most,” he added.
Prof. Osakwe expressed concern over what he described as the poor response of the Nigerian High Commission in Mozambique to issues raised by NIDO Africa, especially concerning Nigerians incarcerated in Mauritius.
In his words: “Despite several letters from NIDO Africa highlighting the plight of these individuals, the High Commission has remained unresponsive.”
He further noted that “the lack of response from the Nigerian High Commission in Mozambique raises concerns about the effectiveness of diplomatic missions in protecting Nigerian citizens abroad”.
The NIDO Africa Chairman disclosed that the organisation is pushing for a prisoner exchange agreement between Nigeria and Mauritius to ease the suffering of affected Nigerians.
“Meanwhile, NIDO Africa urges all Nigerians residing in or traveling through African countries to save the new emergency number, +264858166717, for urgent matters requiring immediate intervention,” he stated.
“The organization assures its commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of all Nigerians across the continent.”
Prof. Osakwe added that the hotline marks a major step toward improving access to help for Nigerians abroad who often struggle to reach their embassies or consulates in times of need.
“This development comes as a welcome relief to many Nigerians living abroad, who often face challenges in accessing assistance from diplomatic missions. With this emergency hotline, Nigerians can now reach out for help in times of need.”
He emphasized that “by launching this emergency contact line, NIDO Africa demonstrates its dedication to supporting Nigerians in distress, and its efforts to hold diplomatic missions accountable for their responsibilities towards citizens abroad.”
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